Pregnancy Outcomes in Egyptian Women on Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Observational Study

Background and Aims: Women in the childbearing period on hemodialysis (HD) have decreased fertility when compared with the general population. However, pregnancy in this patients’ population is still possible. The aim of the current study was to assess the conception rate in Egyptian HD females.

Methods: The study comprises 2 phases: phase one studied the frequency of conception in HD females in Egypt, while phase two studied the live birth frequency and factors affecting it in 22 hemodialysis units (HDUs) including 211 females with sexually active partner in their childbearing period comprising 33 females with HD coincidental pregnancies.

Results: 5-year conception rate was 5.2%, and was associated with higher planned dialysis dose (higher blood flow rate, larger dialyzer size, and session length), better control of blood pressure, as well as a lower level of serum ferritin. Live birth frequency was 33.3% and was statistically significantly associated with younger age of the pregnant lady, higher length of dialysis sessions, lower serum phosphorus level, and suggested better nutrition. There was no maternal mortality associated with HD coincidental pregnancies. There was a better neonatal outcome observed with the caesarian section.

Conclusion: Fertility is possible and safe in Egyptian HD female with a sexually active partner as there is no maternal mortality but not as such for the fetal outcome. Better conception potentials and the outcome are related to better-planned dialysis dosing and adequate control of phosphate and inflammation.